Preparing for SSDI Phone Interview

[George Jung]

I am having a phone interview with the Social Security people about collecting disability in a couple of days and I am wondering if there is anything I should/could prepare for.  Any insight/advice is greatly welcomed by all.  Thank you.

[glitter]

I handled my husbands interview because he was too ill- I found the lady really pleasant- people with ESRD automatically quailify if they have the quarters, so it was an easy interview, it helps to have all your income information and your banking information as well as Dr.s phone numbers and names and all of your medication information. It took about 45 min. If you make less then 27000 a you can also apply for a supplemental drug benefit that reduces drug copays to 2.00 to 5.00 and also pays your medicare premium. ( and part D too) just do not try to hide any money if its in a bank or anything- she knew what accounts we had and what was in them before I told her..

[Chicken Little]

I have to do mine in their office this Friday.  I've also been told the dialysis is an automatic qualifier though.  The people I've spoken to so far have been really nice and well informed.  Not what I usually experience when dealing with a government agency.   

I would rather not draw on the benefits.  I don't need them.  I have a private long term disability plan and the SSDI award will just be deducted from the amount they pay me.  It's no benefit to me and it actually increases my tax liability.   

I am required to get SSDI before I'm eligible to extend my COBRA medical coverage though.  I'm basically being penalized for insuring myself.    

[st789]

Hope everything went smoothly for you.

Chicken Little, is your long-term disability is equivalent or close to your income.

[Chicken Little]

My LTD pays me 60% of my gross salary, but it's tax free.  I was in a 35% tax bracket, so it's very close to what my net pay was.   

 

[keefer51]

George, I didn't know anything about medicare. But when my kidney failed again i learned allot. I was in the hospital with no insurance. I was visited by a social worker who told me what to do. When i got the paper work i didn't have any problem in the phone interview. The woman i talked to was very pleasent. When i found out how long it would take i freaked out. It took about 5 months or more till i finally received anything. i was receiving countless amount of paper work to re do and was on the phone twice a week. During the time it took to wait for the SSI i had a job but my legs swelled up and had to leave. I had a large cd collection so i went and sold allot of them. I finally had to get help from the state. My younger sister helped hiring someone who knew how to handle them. When i did start to receive the SSI i was down to nothing. Although i did everything i was told they constantly sent me letters saying i needed this or that persons signature. So i called in desperation and i was told it was a mistake and that the letters are computer generated etc... When i think back on the whole thing my case i know was different. What ever the problem it was on them. Thats the government for you.

[st789]

Damn Buracracy but we need them don't we.

[George Jung]

I missed my phone interview.  Is it much of a problem to reschedule?  Will they ask why I missed it?

[glitter]

no you can reschedule easily, I doubt they will want a specfic excuse.

[paris]

George, how is your disabilty process going?  I just got approved and I only applied in May.  I did everything online and had one call just to verify some information. I printed the medical release forms from the SS website, dropped them off at their office on Old Wake Forest Road and that  was it.  Everyone says I was very fortunate how quick the prosess was.  Let me know if there is anything I can help with.  I  found the online application very easy. 

[George Jung]

Paris,

I will be going to the local office on the 12th of next month for my interview.  I filed on line and never heard anything of it, apparently it was lost in the system.  That is when I was set up with the phone interview and I missed that (completely my fault) so now I found that actually going to the office is more of a commitment that I need.  I'll let you know how it goes, should be a no question about it scenario.

[goofynina]

Good Luck George, Go Get 'em,  I honestly believe there should be no problem with you being approved   

[Sluff]

Hope the best with your visit at the SS department.

[Ohio Buckeye]

I will be 62 in Dec. so I'm just going to start ss then.
Thought about disability but figure they'd just delay it til then anyway most likely.
They asked if I'd take a reduced amount and then it would continue into ss.
Said no cause they didn't give me a figure of how much reduced. 
Never thought I'd be looking forward to turning 62 like I am. 

[George Jung]

Good decision not to take the reduction.

My grandmother was offered and she refused.  She then used the difference 6k a yr I believe and put it into a life insurance policy to ensure security for my grandfather if he were to outlive her.  This was wise, as it ensures she will get what she deserves (earned).

I am applying for ss disability, I highly doubt I will make it into my 60's being that is like 30yrs away.

[Jannie]

If you are filing for Social Security and/or SSI Disability, make sure you have your facts ready. Doctors names, addresses, phone numbers, list of medications.,etc.

[angela515]

How did it go George? Hope all was well.